This month, we chose to highlight CIM student Daniel Cook. We asked Daniel a few questions about his experiences with the CIM Program.
What school are you currently attending and when is your intended graduation date?
I am currently attending Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro, TN and I plan to graduate in May 2011.
Where are you from originally?
Originally, I am from Lebanon, TN which is located 30 miles East of Nashville, TN.
Why did you choose this university and the CIM program?
I am currently working on my second bachelor's degree from MTSU. Ten years ago, I chose this school because of its location to my hometown. After my graduation from MTSU the first time, I was working with a construction equipment supply company. I visited jobsites almost daily and found a real passion for the construction industry. I was still located in Murfreesboro and heard of how well students in MTSU's CIM program were excelling upon entering the job market. In order to reach my goal of being a commercial construction professional, I applied to the CIM program and returned to school - which has been one of the best decisions in my life so far.
How has the CIM program prepared you for your graduation next year and entrance into the business world?
While I was pursuing my first degree, there were not many opportunities for extracurricular involvement, or at least there wasn't much influence from our professors and faculty to seek out ways to be involved. This time around has been a different story. From the combination of my knowledge of what employers require from an entry-level applicant and the experience opportunities and leadership that the CIM program offers to its students, I feel that I will be as prepared as I could possibly be to enter the job market. Unlike many other programs, the CIM program at MTSU teaches the importance of and offers extracurricular involvement to every one of its students and it allows the student to make the ultimate choice of how prepared they want to be.
What classes have you enjoyed the most?
My favorites so far have been the hands-on courses such as "Foundations of Concrete" and "Surveying".
What advice would you give to other current CIM students?
As someone who has graduated once and tried to get a job with no experience, I would tell them to be as involved as possible and experience as much as they can. Luckily they are in a program that gives them ample opportunity to do these things. Also, I would tell them to try to introduce themselves to as many people in their industry as possible. This will get their name out to the people who will one day be looking at their resume, but also it gives them practice speaking to potential employers. There is a huge difference in how you speak to your buddy and how you speak to your boss!
The CIM program works with businesses in providing summer internships. Have you been able to take advantage of that program or any other special program to develop your industry knowledge?
Yes. I am currently involved in my second internship with a large commercial contractor. These experiences have increased my industry knowledge ten-fold. Years ago, apprenticeships were required of students, but unfortunately these programs have gone by the wayside. For my school and four others nationally, the CIM program does extremely well in setting up internship opportunities for their students in every way they possibly could. However, like I mentioned before, it is ultimately up to the student to take advantage of these gifts that the CIM program presents.
Have you been able to interact with the CIM patrons at MTSU? If so, in what capacity?
Yes I have. Last semester, I led a team to a 2nd place finish nationally in the 2010 ACI Concrete Construction Competition. During our research, we consulted several industry professionals including some of the CIM patrons from MTSU. I've also interacted with some of the patrons at this year's World of Concrete in Las Vegas. The attitudes of the patrons on the CIM program keep the program running in the eyes of the students. We all know our program has a representative body of concerned industry leaders. I have learned that all I have to do is mention that I am a CIM student and they want to help me in any way. I do not know of any students of other programs that can say that.
What school are you currently attending and when is your intended graduation date?
I am currently attending Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro, TN and I plan to graduate in May 2011.
Where are you from originally?
Originally, I am from Lebanon, TN which is located 30 miles East of Nashville, TN.
Why did you choose this university and the CIM program?
I am currently working on my second bachelor's degree from MTSU. Ten years ago, I chose this school because of its location to my hometown. After my graduation from MTSU the first time, I was working with a construction equipment supply company. I visited jobsites almost daily and found a real passion for the construction industry. I was still located in Murfreesboro and heard of how well students in MTSU's CIM program were excelling upon entering the job market. In order to reach my goal of being a commercial construction professional, I applied to the CIM program and returned to school - which has been one of the best decisions in my life so far.
How has the CIM program prepared you for your graduation next year and entrance into the business world?
While I was pursuing my first degree, there were not many opportunities for extracurricular involvement, or at least there wasn't much influence from our professors and faculty to seek out ways to be involved. This time around has been a different story. From the combination of my knowledge of what employers require from an entry-level applicant and the experience opportunities and leadership that the CIM program offers to its students, I feel that I will be as prepared as I could possibly be to enter the job market. Unlike many other programs, the CIM program at MTSU teaches the importance of and offers extracurricular involvement to every one of its students and it allows the student to make the ultimate choice of how prepared they want to be.
What classes have you enjoyed the most?
My favorites so far have been the hands-on courses such as "Foundations of Concrete" and "Surveying".
What advice would you give to other current CIM students?
As someone who has graduated once and tried to get a job with no experience, I would tell them to be as involved as possible and experience as much as they can. Luckily they are in a program that gives them ample opportunity to do these things. Also, I would tell them to try to introduce themselves to as many people in their industry as possible. This will get their name out to the people who will one day be looking at their resume, but also it gives them practice speaking to potential employers. There is a huge difference in how you speak to your buddy and how you speak to your boss!
The CIM program works with businesses in providing summer internships. Have you been able to take advantage of that program or any other special program to develop your industry knowledge?
Yes. I am currently involved in my second internship with a large commercial contractor. These experiences have increased my industry knowledge ten-fold. Years ago, apprenticeships were required of students, but unfortunately these programs have gone by the wayside. For my school and four others nationally, the CIM program does extremely well in setting up internship opportunities for their students in every way they possibly could. However, like I mentioned before, it is ultimately up to the student to take advantage of these gifts that the CIM program presents.
Have you been able to interact with the CIM patrons at MTSU? If so, in what capacity?
Yes I have. Last semester, I led a team to a 2nd place finish nationally in the 2010 ACI Concrete Construction Competition. During our research, we consulted several industry professionals including some of the CIM patrons from MTSU. I've also interacted with some of the patrons at this year's World of Concrete in Las Vegas. The attitudes of the patrons on the CIM program keep the program running in the eyes of the students. We all know our program has a representative body of concerned industry leaders. I have learned that all I have to do is mention that I am a CIM student and they want to help me in any way. I do not know of any students of other programs that can say that.
Daniel - you are an outstanding student in a great program. Sounds like you are very passionate about your education. You will go far. Congratulations!!
ReplyDelete